Synthetic puffy with hood choices

Darren Mabe wrote: mine has one

Yeah, I remember they had one, but I think they stopped making it. I was looking for that jacket when I purchased the thermawrap pro.

I have enjoyed my TNF Redpoint Optimus for that past few seasons for pretty much everything. I have a Pata DAS that I used occasionally for cold ice belays.

Whatever fits, uses modern insulation, is decently light .. And is on sale

They all work more or less the same ...

Thermawrap Pro is just the UL thermawrap parka with beefed up nylon. UL was 15 denier and the pro is 30 d

Seriouisly you have missed the best of the bunch and I have many of the best here that I have testing/using. Spoiler for the CT write up but there you are.

RAB Generator Alpine Jacket

30D triple rip stop Pertex® Endurance outer
Pertex® Quantum 20D rip stop lining
Warm 100g Primaloft® One in body
Light 60g Primaloft® One in arms and hood
Fully draw-cord adjustable, helmet compatible hood with a roll down tab
1 Endurance lined chest pocket which functions as a stuff pocket
2 YKK zipped hand warmer pockets
1 internal zipped security pocket
Laminated velcro cuff tabs, and adjustable hem drawcord

bearbreeder wrote:Whatever fits, uses modern insulation, is decently light .. And is on sale They all work more or less the same ...

That's mostly true, but not completely. For example the Atom LT and WT Insulight have side stretch panels which make them not windproof, but highly breathable. If you aren't looking for that, then the SV would be a better choice.

It's mild nitpicking, but when you are dropping some decent scratch on a jacket you want to make sure you are getting the technical features you want. Type and amount of insulation, drawstrings and other features can really make a difference when it counts.

Scott McMahon wrote: That's mostly true, but not completely. For example the Atom LT and WT Insulight have side stretch panels which make them not windproof, but highly breathable. If you aren't looking for that, then the SV would be a better choice. It's mild nitpicking, but when you are dropping some decent scratch on a jacket you want to make sure you are getting the technical features you want. They can really make a difference when it counts.

i own and use an atom lt ... there was a MB and EB jacket that had the same panels

if you look at those crazy ascents, the best climbers use whatever gear they cant get off their sponsors ... the nanopoofay doesnt have any stretch fleece panels, yet its been used by some very good climbers on very respectable ascents ...

its the climber that makes the difference ... if it wasnt then every crazy ascent would be done in an atom LT ... we know this is not the case ;)

bearbreeder wrote:Whatever fits, uses modern insulation, is decently light .. And is on sale They all work more or less the same ...

I'd disagree with that comment as well. Actually they don't all work the same. Not even close imo. The differing insulation, Primaloft One via Eco for example and what they use for a cover on the isulation does indeed matter as does, the other materials to make them more breathable, more water proof or more wind proof.

Also important to know what level of insulation they are usng in the body, hood, arms for example and if they change within the same garment.

Fit is the most glaring difference to the unitiated and uneducated. But it is by no means the most important unless of course the garment doesn't fit you ;)

The amount if insulation matters of course ... As to the rest ... Like i said people use different brands and models to all do crazy things even

bearbreeder wrote:The amount if insulation matters of course ... As to the rest ... Like i said people use different brands and models to all do crazy things even

True...but I have no desire to do what Steve House does. haha climbing 8K meter peaks with an 18lb pack.

I really like Arc'teryx's Atom series. The LT and SV function a bit differently, but both have been killer.

MH Compressor is a staple, just like the Nano Puff. Both are pretty well-known and popular pieces. The Patagonia Micro Puff is a good one, too, recently redesigned with Primaloft One insulation rather than Eco.

The Rab gear that I have (or used) has been great. I think of them somewhere between Patagonia and Arc'Teryx, in terms of usability, with a better price tag than either.

The I have come up with is:

Patagonia nanopuff vest
Arc'teryx atom lt hoody

The vest or jacket alone when breathability is paramount and both together when the temp drops or at a belay

Montbell is crap, the fabric breaks down too quickly. Nano puff all the way!

I tried on the women's Montbell Thermawrap (UL?) hooded jacket, and thought the sleeves were very narrow and tight at the elbow. The Thermawrap full-zip pants are great, though.

bearbreeder wrote: its the climber that makes the difference ... if it wasnt then every crazy ascent would be done in an atom LT ... we know this is not the case ;)

And in this thread someone wants to know the specifics of the clothing, not how to be a professional climber. If you look at the suggestions throughout this thread it is obvious not everyone is familiar with the similarities and differences of the lightweight insulated jackets on the market.

My Atom LT breathes extremely well.

Ray Pinpillage wrote: And in this thread someone wants to know the specifics of the clothing, not how to be a professional climber. If you look at the suggestions throughout this thread it is obvious not everyone is familiar with the similarities and differences of the lightweight insulated jackets on the market.

what i find most amazing is that no one here has asked the OP the question ... what are you going to use it for ... before making recommendations

youll also notice that everyone recommended and likes different brands/models ... just goes to show that different things work for different people ;)

Ranar wrote:So I'm looking for a synthetic insulated jacket WITH a hood. Which seems like my choices are limited to: Arc'teryx Atom SV (which I'd love to afford/ find a sale one) Arc'teryx Atom LT hoodied .....Am I missing any worthwhile?

Where and how you will use it?

Seems trival compared to what the OP originally asked.

The SV is a full blown winter parka, a bet for mildly cold conditions, imo. The LT a nice sweater weight garment. I use them both as single items of clothing intentionally but for different temps and activities. I use the two together as a dedicated combo for some else entirely.

Combine the entire group of hooded synthetics available and a few stand out. At that point the details will matter.

bearbreeder wrote: what i find most amazing is that no one here has asked the OP the question ... what are you going to use it for ... before making recommendations youll also notice that everyone recommended and likes different brands/models ... just goes to show that different things work for different people ;)

I agree agree but saying "just get the cheapest" is about as useful.

I know you know the technical differences.

Ray Pinpillage wrote: I agree agree but saying "just get the cheapest" is about as useful. I know you know the technical differences.

mea culpa ... i should have the the cheapest that reasonable works for your purposes ;)

as to differences ... ill stick to the opinion that the current generation of climbers do the craziest things in all the brands, theres no reason why the brand would limit me to doing the minor things i do ...

spending less money on gear will mean more money to play .. i think its very instructive that the people who climb harder, more, crazier than me often have less/cheaper gear ...